"I just want to thank the Hornets for picking me. It's like a new beginning for me," Stephenson said. "I think I definitely fit in. I'm definitely excited and can't wait."

Charlotte general manager Rich Cho said the Hornets were thrilled to land what he considered one of the best young players in the league.

"One of the things that really attracted us to Lance is that he's a big time competitor coming off a great season," Cho said. "We love his versatility. He has a very unique skill set, can handle the ball, score, rebound and he can really guard. He has a ton of playoff experience playing in the Eastern Conference finals the last two years."

Stephenson was asked what role Hornets owner and president Michael Jordan had in bringing him to Charlotte.

"He played a big role. He was at the meeting and told me what he likes about me, what he wants me to bring to the table and I'm for it."

Stephenson called his first foray into free agency stressful but fun, saying he liked learning which teams liked him.

Jordan joins the likes of Larry Bird as a Stephenson admirer, with the former Pacers guard's relationship with Bird well documented. Asked what it was like leaving Indiana, Stephenson said it wasn't an easy choice.

"It was definitely a tough decision. I definitely grew up there, learned a lot form Larry and my teammates that were in front of me," he said. "it was a great experience. I feel like I can bring winning experience and that defensive edge that we had over there, I can bring that to the Hornets."